Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1887-05-15

olSmounteo 1t appeared, by their CONVEX
sat1on, that they intended to rest here for
two or three hours. But before that num-
Der of minutes had elapsed, at 8 shrill
whistle from their leader, the rangers
stepped out from their ambush, and the
entire gang found themselves surrounded.
Resistance was outside the pale of
chance, even, and not to be thought of
They were unarmed-their opponents
fully armed.
Surrender, mem" said Ada, quietly,
as Mccullough babe them do so. "We
will have an escort to the settlements noW
that is all. DOM be alarmed for the
future"
"You speak as ifyou were in command,
my little BANTAM" said Mccullough, not
at first recognizing the sex of the speaker
for he had never seen Ada before.
81 was until this moment, when you
assumed it," she said, coolly. Then OBJ
serving Paul and Mr.. Delorme near, both
looking wretched and doWncast, and no
sign of Stella there, she at once suspected
that Lagona had, in some manner, recov-
cred the latter, and d smile of satisfied
triumph came out upon her handsome face
SIS she added:
gentlemen, congratulate you upon
the success OF your expedition. You've
had hard ride in search of disappoint-
ment. am happy you have found it,"
"Torturing f1end :" muttered Paul.
"Once your dear Ada-once your life,
your love, your angel" said the tantaliz-
ing girl.
"Perdition! Is there no way to stop
her MOUTH"
"Once you used to stop it with kisses,
Do nj %
those days"
"Bring up our horses, men-sOme of
You-the rest use your lasoes and fasten
those gentlemen upon their horses so that
they cannot fall Off!' cried the Major.
"You need not take any precautions in
regard so me, sir. l pledge you the
word and honor of lady that l will not
try to esCape-at least, not until we are
my mind there you shall have fair warn
ing" said Ada.
ga woman? And that is Miss Ada
McAlpin!" said the Major, IN surprise.
eyes sir. You have undoubtedly heard
of nae through Paul. He used to be very
fond of me-Was so until he found it
would pay to love an heiress," said Ada,
glancing at Mr.. DelOrme, to see what
"You shall not be bound like the rest,
you," said the Major. "And," he added,
"you will do me a favor by not annoying
Mr.. Paul Malerson with any remarks-ne
is suffering enough now"
'tPOor fellow, how pity him!" said
Ada, mockingly. "But, Major as a favor,
to you, will curb my feelings and bride
Fl, 1 ha Gil
woman
eff you CAM" muttered the Maj or, with
half repressed smile, turning away to
superintend the arrangement of the other
prisoners. He could not but admire the
GOODNESS and spirit of the girl.
'YOu needn't tie me. | will give you
my word of honor / won't offer to rum"
said Malerson, as one OF the Rangers ap-
preached to bind him, as others were de-
ing to the rest.
"YOu'd better give something that you
have or once had" said the Major. 'Put
double lashings on the wretch. He is the
worst devil of the gang"
"Thank you for the compliment. Can't
you let me have little rum to drink to
your health in?" said MalersOn, cooIly.
"If had and thought it would choke
said the Major.
chance to choke you, restassured that the
will won't be wanting" replied Malerson,
bitterly.
"The hangman will do your choking"
said Mr.. Delorme, with g look of scorn
and hate
''Ah, you there, Oh gentleman? You
nd no I5
when ones relations vet stand up for
him, nor ever give him & drink of rum to
raise his spirits. Bu1 ever mind, old
tables will be turned. I reckon your old
lady will teach you BET - than to treat
me in this way. If she don't, then spell
my name backward and water my grog!"
All being ready for new start now, the
their captiVes in line and under strict
guard, headed once more to the east.
CHAPTER XLYIII.
When the horse upon which Stella rode
turned at the cry of Lagona, she was
taken so completely by surprise and so
overcome by terror that she was actually
among the Indians before she fully real
lied her position or peril. Had thought
kept it's mastery she would have cast her.
self from the horse before it had passed
from the cover of the Rangers rifles, but
thought only came to her when it was too
late.
There was no look of triumph, nor even
one of anger, upon the face of Lagona
when he checked her horse and drew it
up by the side of his own, and supported
her, half fainting as she was; nor even an
accent of displeasure or word lacking
kindness when he spoke to her.
"The Great Spirit has sent the White
Flower back to Lagona," he said with
proud but mournful dignity.
She made no reply. Her heart was too
full of wild, hopeless grief now for utter
ance. This last peril, so unlocked for
and so sudden, took all of her courage
away.
The chief, as we said before, sent back
shout of triumph and defiance to the
rangers, and then retired a mile or so
from the position of the party; and there,
while Stella was left under q guard of his
chosen and favorite braves, he held q
council with his sub-chiefs to decide
whether or not they should attack the
rangers or retire satisfied with the recov-
cry of the prize which their leader valued
so highly and for which he had dared and
suffered so much.